Best Bannockburn cellar doors to visit
The cellar-door-to-winery ratio is high in Bannockburn, with most producers in the region providing somewhere for visitors to taste, dine and more. Here are five to try.
Te Kano Estate in Bannockburn.
Felton Road
As one of the region’s pioneer producers, a visit to Felton Road means an opportunity to taste pinot made from some of Central’s oldest vines. Visits are by appointment only, and only between Monday to Friday, but are intensive: allow around two hours for your visit, as it starts with a walk through Felton Road’s vineyards and finishes with a tasting of all current release wines.
Mt Difficulty
One of Central Otago’s most beautiful and striking cellar doors, a tasting at Mt Difficulty comes with views over the Cromwell Basin towards Lake Dunstan, smacking you in the face with Bannockburn’s rugged and rocky landscape. Once you’ve tasted the full suite of Mt Difficulty and Roaring Meg wines, head to the winery’s restaurant for a long and leisurely lunch.
Carrick
Overlooking the Kawarau River, Carrick offers a range of winery experiences. Taste their range at their cellar door, enjoy a long lunch at the estate’s restaurant, or wander the gardens with a glass of wine and a slice from the pizza trailer. Private cabanas can be rented for a more premium experience, and there are also two options for on-site accommodation for groups of six or 12.
Terra Sancta
Terra Sancta was the first to plant vines in Bannockburn, and with all four of their estate vineyards located within the subregion, it’s still one of its greatest champions. Taste its range of single-block pinot noir in its charming, schist cellar door.
Te Kano Estate
Set into the slopes above Lake Dunstan, Te Kano’s architectural award-winning cellar door has been designed to emulate the rugged beauty of the surrounding region. Enjoy a tasting of its single-vineyard wines over a custom platter or picnic made from its mini deli either inside or on the lawn.